4 essay questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

4 questions - Essay Example Labor force globally is aging. In Canada, the average age of labor force was 32 in 1972, which has arisen to 39 in 2000 (Career Sense). The age pattern of the population affects the education level, which in return directly affects the labor market. With baby-boomers due to retire soon, there will be a dramatic shift in the work force. Richard Freeman of the National Bureau of Economic Research, Washington states that changes in the global job market for science and engineering workers will diminish the comparative advantage of the United States in high-tech production (AllBusiness, 2005). Gender too plays a contributory role. About two-thirds of the total labour force growth resulted from increased participation from women. Women prefer part-time jobs and they contribute to increase in absenteeism depending on individual family culture. Immigration is another critical area due to which the culture and education level of the labor makes the role of human resource management challenging. IBM’s diversity strategy includes creating a work/life balance, advancement of women and integration of people with disability (Nicolson, 2006). Organizations today recognize the need to attract the right brains to thrive in the competitive market and retain the employees as work force is ageing and skilled force is in short supply. Changing composition in the global work force brings a shift in the human resource management. Canada used to have highly skilled migrants mainly from European countries but now has to rely heavily on those who do not possess language proficiency or the technical skills. Science and American graduates in America is gradually dropping, which signals a warning to the sourcing of work force. One of the key roles of the human resource management is to find new ways to motivate and reward the employees. Employee productivity and organization performance is directly linked with the compensation schemes that an

SWOT and PESTEL analysis of StratSim

SWOT and PESTEL analysis of StratSim The StratSim is a growing and wide spread industry around the global among automobile sellers. Notwithstanding the economic and energy instabilities that led to decreased vehicle demand, sales revenues slowly grew as Gross Domestic Products (GDP) increased from period 1- 4, and remained constant in period 5, and inflation rate decreased from 2.5% in period 1 to 1.0% during period 3. However, in some circumstances, sales were increased and/or decreased as firms started making decisions. The 7 competitors were; firm A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Seven vehicle classes include Minivan (M), Family (F), Sports (S), Luxury (L), Utility (U) Economy (E), and Truck (T). Attributes considered were; performance, styling, quality, interior and safety. Furthermore, advertisement plays a significant role especially when firms are striving to create brand image, awareness as well as interests to target customers. Dealerships contributed in generating revenues through sales of a range of vehicles which in turn enabled the firm to increase its market share while maximising shareholders wealth. Firm B has had 3 vehicle classes, namely; Boss -Truck, Boffo Family and Buzzy Economy. 2.0 Strategic Analysis Strategy is the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through the use of resources and competence aiming to fulfil shareholder expectations (Johnson et al, 2006, p 9). Figure 1, processes by which strategy is described and executed Source:http://www.12manage.com/description-deliberate-strategy.html. In a competitive business environment such as StratSim, analysing firms strategies is vital in order to enhance firm performance and customer satisfaction. 2.1 Strategic Intent Firm Bs mission was to become the leader in automobile industry worldwide by offering highly innovative vehicles to diverse customer segments aiming at consistently satisfying their dynamic needs. 2.2 Basic Strategy Firm B strategy was to provide high quality vehicles at premium price while trying to differentiate its vehicles from incumbents to avoid encouraging price war. By doing so, firm B was the leader twice in economy (Buzzy) car in period 2 and 5. To meet diverse customer tastes and preferences, the firm made minor upgrades to its vehicles during decision making periods, e.g. technology, promotion, advertising, etc. 2.3 External Analysis Scanning the macro-environment is vital since there are several factors that hinder firms performance and growth. In order for managers to come up with effective and suitable strategies that will enable the firm exploit overt and hidden opportunities while overcoming threats, those factors need to be thoroughly tackled before decisions are made. The external analyses considered were; The Michael Porters five forces. PESTEL analysis. Opportunities and Threats (OT) from SWOT analysis, And Critical Success Factors (CSF). 2.3.1 PESTEL PESTEL framework is a useful tool that is applied by organisations to analyse the complexity of macro-environment variables. It also provides a picture on how these key factors may influence firms success or failure of its particular strategies in future in order that managers can find ways of overcoming them. PESTEL refers to; political, economic, social, technology, environment and legal. Figure 2, PESTEL Framework Source: (Johnson et al, 2006. p 68) The Organisation Political Taxation policy Government stability Social welfare policies Foreign trade regulations Legal Health and safety Competition law Product safety Employment law Economic factors Business cycle Inflation Interest rates Unemployment GNP trends Money supply Disposable income Environmental Environmental protection laws Waste disposal Energy consumption Sociocultural factors Population Demographic Socio mobility Consumerism Income Distribution Lifestyle changes Level of Education Attitudes to work and leisure Technological Government spending on research Speed of technology transfer New discoveries/developments Government and industry focus on technological effort Rates of obsolescence Political/Legal Since 1960, laws and government regulations have affected the automobile industry (Highfill et al, November, 2004). Political changes may favour or hinder the firms production because anti-pollution laws and taxes can be imposed, and hence firm B should continuously pay special attention to any rules, codes and regulations that dwell on carbon-dioxide emissions. Economic During simulation, firm B had experienced unstable economic growth. Its variables like inflation, interest rates, gas prices, and material costs were fluctuated. These have affected the firms profitability. Social Due to increased health awareness, people tend to change their lifestyles, while turning to low carbon emission vehicles. Also income distribution and demographic changes both affect vehicle production either positively or negatively. Technology Advanced technology has provided both opportunities and threats to the automobile industry. Those who employ it effectively, it enables them to enhance firms efficiency in producing vehicles that appeal to customers whilst lowering costs. So far, internet and firm websites as part of technology have been used by many buyers as a reference tool before making their purchase decisions. Environmental Environmentalists stress on minimising carbon-dioxide emissions, noise as well as air pollution, in order to keep the environment clean. This move no doubt affects vehicle production as well as firm profitability. 2.3.2 Critical Success Factors (CSF) Johnson et al (2009) defined CSF as those product features that are particularly valued by a group of customers and, therefore, where the organisation must excel to outperform competition. CSF comprises; threshold features and differentiators. Source: Johnson et al (2009) CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS (CSF) THRESHOLD FEATURES DIFFERENTIATORS Threshold features These are features that the customer values mostly, and is not likely to buy a product or service that lacks one of them. Firm B, threshold features were; quality, performance, safety and size for all of its three vehicles; family-Boffo, economy-Buzzy and truck-Boss. Differentiators These are customised/added qualities which some customers may or may not consider before purchasing a service or products. Firm B regarded price, styling and interior as differentiators to its vehicles. Differentiators gave difficult moments when trying to distinguish what was preferred most, as many vehicles were similar to competitors after modifications had been made. Innovations are necessary for firms to meet CSF features and outwit their competitors through customer satisfaction. 2.3.3 Porters Five Forces Model The model was developed by Michael Porter in 1980 (Johnson et al, 2006). Since then, the model is applied by firms as a tool to analyse the profit potential while determining the intensity of competition (threats) of an industry, and finally coming up with the right strategies that will support in exploiting opportunities, neutralise threats and hence grow. Figure 3 Porters Five Competitive Forces Model SUPPLIER POWER Switching costs of firms in the industry Presence of substitute inputs Threat of forward integration Supplier concentration Importance of volume to supplier Impact of inputs on cost or differentiation Differentiation of inputs Cost relative to total purchase in industry BARRIERS TO ENTRY Government Policy Capital requirements Access to distribution Economies of scale Switching costs Proprietary learning curve Access to inputs Expected retaliation Brand identity Absolute cost advantages Proprietary products BUYER POWER Price sensitivity Threat of backward integration Substitutes available Bargaining leverage Buyer concentration vs industry Buyer information Buyer volume Buyers incentives Brand identity Product differentiation www.scribd.com DEGREE OF RIVALRY Brand identity Exit barriers Switching costs Product differences Industry growth Fixed cost/ value added Diversity of rivals Industry concentration Corporate stakes Intermittent overcapacity RIVALRY THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES Buyer inclination to substitute Switching costs Price-performance trade-off of substitutes Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants in automobile industry is low, since barriers to enter are very high, such as high start-up capital required. Moreover, adequate experience curve, distribution access, economies of scale, strong research and development (RD) and even brand and customer loyalty all of which the incumbents have. It therefore becomes difficult for new entrants to manage compared to incumbents. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers power in automobile industry is low, since producing a car/vehicle requires a range of inputs (parts) from diverse suppliers. If some inputs are not available in one source, they will be sought from another supplier due to low switching costs. Threat of Substitutes Substitute threats in this industry are likely to be moderate and depend much on customer geographical location. Other customers prefer walking, taking train or riding on a bike. But in Dar es Salaam city for example, people prefer public transport, motorcycles (BAJAJ, known as rickshaw in India) as alternative means to automobile due to increased congestion. Bargaining Power of Buyers In this industry, buyers power is a bit high. Low switching costs from one firm to another seeking for substitutes since most of the customers are price sensitive. For the case of the simulation game we played, most of the products were undifferentiated, so, buyers can easily shift to an alternative producer as well as products when seeking satisfaction. Competitive Rivalry The intensity of competition in automobile industry is high due to lack of strong differentiation strategy and innovation among incumbents, especially in the case of the three vehicle classes, i.e. family, economy and truck, because most of the firms use similar strategies like price; this reduces market growth as well as profitability. 2.3.4 SWOT- Opportunities and Threats Opportunities: Advanced technology Firms can use it more efficiently in enhancing product features that can appeal to the eyes of customers. Also use e-commerce to advertise and sell globally. Bargaining power of suppliers. Low supplier power is an advantage to automobile firms since they can set input prices, and hence be able to enjoy cost advantages while offering good quality products that will satisfy customers. European Union (EU) Automobile manufacturers can use the EU to sell their products. Diversification Diversification can be done to widen the market to other untapped segments like high income earners or go internationally and also locate the firms near raw materials sources where they can enjoy location economies. Differentiation strategy In order to sustain customers, after satisfaction has been met, differentiation strategy can be used as a weapon in delivering a range of added values that surpass those of competitors, since most of the firms use similar strategies. Threats: Bargaining power of buyers Strong bargaining power of buyers associated with low switching costs to alternative products, force suppliers to face an increased competition in order to provide the best that will satisfy their customers. Increased gas prices Gas being one of the operating energy, increased price will affect firms production as well as profitability e.g. in simulation that we played, period 1 $/gal was 3.15 rise to 3.50 in period 5. New laws New rules and regulations on carbon-dioxide emissions in environmental protection hinder production of cars that use petrol engines. World economic recession Recession discourages consumption of luxury goods, and streamlines production while people turn to public transports. High competition Initially, all firms in the StratSim industry were in similar position e.g. financially and other resources; however, this proved difficult when making decisions on how to create demand in order to enhance market shares as well as profits. Each firm was competing. Inflation Inflation started to increase in period 4 from 2.0% to 2.5%, this rise affected consumer prices. Fuel price instability. Rapid change in technology This poses a threat to vehicle production since other substitutes to vehicles may be produced. 2.4 Internal Analysis 2.4.1 Resources and Capabilities These are those which will create a strategic fit in order for the firm to survive and prosper even in a competitive business environment. Lucino Noto, (2007, p 125) Analyzing resources and capabilities: The interface between strategy and the firm THE FIRM Resources and Capabilities Goals and Values Structure and System STRATEGY THE INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT Customers Competitors suppliers The firm-Strategy Interface The Environment-Strategy Interface Resources Organisation resources are divided into two categories (Johnson et al (2009); Tangible Resources These are firms physical assets. Firm B tangible resources were; Three vehicle classes, each of these represents a unique configuration while targeting different customer segments like value seekers, families, singles, high income and enterprisers (the StratSim Case, 2010). Financial resources, at period 0, each firm were given sales amounted to $ 15.5 billions (the StratSim case, 2010). Manpower, firm B had 4 competent human resources who made diverse valuable decisions and hence became twice the leader of economy car (Buzzy). Intangible Resources. These are non-physical resources such as; information, reputation and knowledge i.e. intellectual capital. (Johnson et al, 2008). Firm B holds a number of unique competences over its rivals. Firm B capabilities were; Quality. Safety. Performance. Style. Interior. 2.4.2 V.R.I.O Are criteria that are used to assess the sustainability of an organisations resources and capability that will enable the firm to achieve durable competitive advantage. V.R.I.O stands for Value, Rarity, Inimitability and Organisation. (Johnson et al, 2008). Value As the game started, firm B had enough resources and capabilities i.e. unique brand name that facilitated it in formulating and implementing different strategies to meet customer needs. But due to increased market demand, demand exceeded production throughout the periods as the firm lacked efficiency. Rareness At the beginning, all firms had a similar starting point which led them to have a low degree of rarity. This positioning by StratSim, made firm B to create more appealing strategies like vehicle enhancements and improvements in terms of its attributes which allowed it to come up with things which turned out to be less common among the firms. Inimitability During simulation game, product imitation was very high since previous results and almost all modifications and other statistics were openly published for other firms to see. This means that competitors could possibly copy other firms techniques. Organisation In StratSim industry, there were 7 firms producing identical vehicles, because they used similar strategies that lacked differentiation. Due to these, it therefore became easy for customers to switch from one firm to another if satisfactions were not yet met. 2.4.3 SWOT- SW SW is a tool that is used in identifying or analysing firms internal strengths and weaknesses and enables it to use the available strengths to minimise or turned those weaknesses to strengths. SW means Strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: Unique brand name Best Motor Works. Unique product names like Buzzy, Boffo, and Boss. Twice leader of Buzzy-Economy car, period 2 and 5. Reliable dealerships. Innovation, almost every decision period, firm B upgraded its vehicle attributes to meet emerging customer needs. Weaknesses: Weak financial position. Unstable growth of market shares. Limited product lines, this means that firm B did not exploit the available opportunities of unsatisfied and potential new customers to launch any new vehicle that would satisfy their needs. 3.0 Decisions 3.1 Technology Firm B upgraded its technology capabilities during decision periods considering dynamic business environment and customer tastes and preferences, while special attention was given to economy (Buzzy) and family (Boffo) cars. Investment in technology facilitated firm B in enhancing its production capacity as well as vehicle attributes that appealed to target customers and hence satisfying their emerging needs (see appendix 2.1) 3.2 Marketing Firm Bs marketing mix was to create leverage with customers and build strong brand loyalty which would enable customers purchase our products even in intense competition as in StratSim industry. Firm Bs unique selling price USP was quality. Quality being the key in our vehicle while charging premium price that enabled Buzzy (economy) car to become the leader in period 2 and 5. Despite this success, it was hard for firm B to survive in just a success of one car brand and become the market leader. Though the marketing mix was thoroughly applied by adding or reducing the number of dealers in each area, increasing dealer discounts and product promotions to attract customers, firm Bs market share was increased and decreased during decisions due to overspending and other factors. (For more marketing and distribution details for period 5, see appendix 2.2 2.3) 3.3 Finance During simulation, firm Bs financial performance was somehow weak despite a slight increase in sales ($). Net income was negative during period 2 and 5 results. It was discovered that one of the problems could possibly have been overspending, however, unit market share increased and total debts continued to decrease (Firm B financial and performance summary period 5, see appendix 3.0). 3.4 Production Throughout all the decision periods, production was increased as well as vehicle attributes to meet customer demand. Though Boss (truck) and Buzzy (economy) vehicles were upgraded in period 4, there were some shortages with regard to Boss vehicle model; this means that if the firm was given a chance to continue making decisions, it could probably increase production to meet the demand (see appendix 4.0). 4.0 Conclusion Firm Bs mission was to become the leader in automobile industry worldwide by offering highly innovative vehicles to diverse customer segments aiming at consistently satisfying their dynamic needs. Unfortunately, firm B did not meet its expectations. Though it became the leader twice in Buzzy (economy) car, this means that its strategies fit in the economy car brand market, having had success in one vehicle does not guarantee survival, and this is why firm Bs income and market share fluctuated. The firm was not yet pretty sure of what contributed to the unstable financial performance, though the firm speculated that overspending was one of the major problems. 4.1 What I Have Learned I learned that, in practical business, taking risks is only way to achieve success. In StratSim industry, for each time period, market research had identified some potential new customers whose needs were not yet satisfied by current vehicle (the StratSim case, 2010). But firm B overlooked this market potential to timely take advantage of launching new vehicle models in order to exploit these opportunities and hence increase its turnover and profit margins. 5.0 Reference and Bibliography: Johnson G, Scholes K, and Whittington R, (2006), Exploring Corporate Strategy, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall. Johnson G, Scholes K, and Whittington R, (2009), Exploring Corporate Strategy, Prentice Hall. Highfill D, Baki M, Copus S, Green M, Smith J and Whineland M, (November, 2004). Automotive Industry Analysis-GM, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Ford, Honda, overview of industry analysis, available at http://www.academicmind.com/unpublishedpapers/business/management/2004-11-000aaa-automotive-industry-analysis.html. Accessed on 19/11/1010. The StratSim Case (2010), Automobile industry. Lucino Noto, (2007), Analysing resources and capabilities: the interface between strategy and the firm, available at. http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/grant/files/CSAC05.pdf . Figure , Porters Five Forces Available at www.scribd.com/doc/16998313/Diagram-of-Porters. Accessed on 20/11/2010. 6.0 APPENDIXES: 1. DECISION SUMMARY FIRM B, FOR PERIOD 5 Product Development Dev Ctr Project Class Status Size HP Int Sty Saf Qua Curr Exp 1 Buzzy Economy upgr: launch Now 10 120 2 2 2 2 $275 2 Boss Truck upgr: launch Now 70 200 3 3 2 2 $275 3 (unused) Total (mill.) $551 Consumer Marketing Budget (mill.) Regional Corp. Adv. $48 Direct Mail $6 Public Relations $12 Total $66 Direct Mail Targets: Value Seekers(1), Families(2), High Income(4), Enterprisers(5) Product Marketing Vehicle Platform MSRP Dealer Disc. Adv. (mill.) Adv. Theme Promo. (mill.) Boffo No Change $20,400 15.0% $34 Safety $29 Boss Upgraded $20,499 13.0% $28 Perform $15 Buzzy Upgraded $11,550 12.0% $33 Quality $20 Total $95 $64 Plant Capacity Current Capacity (000s) 1,350 Capacity Change (000s) 0 Vehicle Production Vehicle Previous Sales (000s) Current Inventory (000s) Scheduled Production (000s) Flexible Production Retooling Costs (mill.) Boffo 646 25 671 X $0 Boss 200 *13 213 X $80 Buzzy 298 *109 345 X $123 Total 1,144 147 1,229 $203 *Vehicle being upgraded: this inventory will be written off. Be sure to produce enough to match forecast. Dealerships North South East West Total Dealer Inc./Dec. 10 9 11 12 42 Training and Support (mill.) $34 Financing Amount ($ mill.) Bonds Issued $0 Stock Issued $0 Dividends Paid $100 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 4 2. RESULTS FOR PERIOD 5 2.1 Technology Capabilities Period 5 Firm Ratings (1=low capability) Dev. Centers Interior Styling Safety Quality Max. Feasible 5 11 12 11 12 Firm A 3 4 6 4 7 Firm B 3 4 6 5 7 Firm C 2 4 7 6 6 Firm D 2 4 6 5 6 Firm E 2 6 8 6 8 Firm F 2 4 6 4 6 Firm G 3 5 8 7 9 Tech Dim Considerations Interior flexibility of cargo space Styling general curb appeal, styling, handling, finish Safety structural design, braking system, safety features Quality overall reliability, durability, consistency of products StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.2 Marketing Detail Period 5 Consumer Budget (mill.) Company Owned /Fleet Budget (mill.) Regional Corp. Adv. $48 Direct Sales Force $0 Direct Mail $6 Direct Mail $0 Public Relations $12 Total $66 Total $0 Vehicle Val Mkt Share MSRP Dealer Disc. Avg Sell Price Adv. (mill.) Adv. Theme Promo. (mill.) Days Inv. Buzzy 2.4% $11,550 12.0% $10,572 $33 Quality $20 18 Boffo 9.4% $20,400 15.0% $18,749 $34 Safety $29 0 Boss 3.2% $20,499 13.0% $19,859 $28 Perform $15 0 Total $95 $64 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.3 Distribution Detail Period 5 North South East West Total Full Coverage 200 250 150 200 800 Established Dealers 137 137 133 133 540 Coverage 69% 55% 89% 67% 68% Planned Openings 10 9 11 12 42 Support/Dealer (000s) $150.6 $150.6 $153.2 $153.2 $151.9 Units/Dealer 2,187 2,284 2,389 2,756 2,401 Sales/Dealer (mill.) $36.9 $38.9 $40.2 $46.3 $40.5 Service/Dealer (mill.) $1.4 $1.5 $1.6 $1.7 $1.5 Gross/Dealer (mill.) $3.3 $3.6 $3.6 $4.1 $3.7 Dealer Rating 59 60 60 61 60 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.4 Product Contribution Period 5 Firm B Product Contribution Vehicle Units (000s) Dealer Sales (mill.) Direct Sales (mill.) COGS (mill.) Gross Margin (mill.) Adv Promo (mills.) After Mkting (mill.) Boffo 734 $12721 $0 $9797 $2924 $63 $2861 Boss 234 $4179 $0

Volcano Mount Vesuvius :: essays research papers

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in southern Italy, near the bay of Naples and the city of Naples. It is the only active volcano on the European mainland. Vesuvius rises to a height of 1277 m (4190 ft). Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is probably the most famous volcano on earth, and is one of the most dangerous.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mount Vesuvius is a strato-volcano consisting of a volcanic cone (Gran Cono) that was built within a summit caldera (Mount Somma). The Somma-Vesuvius complex has formed over the last 25,000 years by means of a sequence of eruptions of variable explosiveness, ranging from the quiet lava outpourings that characterized much of the latest activity (for example from 1881 to 1899 and from 1926 to 1930) to the explosive Plinian eruptions, including the one that destroyed Pompeii and killed thousands of people in 79 A.D. At least seven Plinian eruptions have been identified in the eruptive history of Somma-Vesuvius (1). Each was preceded by a long period of stillness, which in the case of the 79 A.D. eruption lasted about 700 years. These eruptions were fed by viscous water-rich phonotitic to tephritic phonolitic magmas that appear to have differentiated in shallow crustal conditions. They are believed to have slowly filled a reservoir where differentiation was driven by compositional convection. A minimum depth of about 3 km was inferred for the top of the magmatic reservoir from mineral equilibria of metamorphic carbonate ejecta (2). Fluid inclusions ([CO.sub.2] and [H.sub.2]O-[CO.sub.2]) in clinopyroxenes from cumulate and nodules indicate a trapping pressure of 1.0 to 2.5 kbar at about 1200 [degrees]C, suggesting that these minerals crystallized at depths of 4 to 10 km (3). The differentiated magma fraction was about 30% of the total magma in the reservoir, and a volume of about 2 to 3 [km.sup.3] was inferred for the reservoir (4). The magma ascent to the surface occurred through a conduit of possibly 70 to 100 m in diameter (5). A thermal model predicts that such a reservoir should contain a core of partially molten magma (6) that can be detected by high-resolution seismic tomography. The earliest outcropping volcanic deposits date back to about 25,000 years ago. The lavas observed at a -1125 m bore-hole are about 0,3-0,5 million years old. It is known for the first eruption of which an eyewitness account is preserved, in 79 AD. Geologically, Vesuvio is unique for its unusual versatility. Its activity ranging from Hawaiian-style release of liquid lava, fountaining and lava lakes, over Strombolian and Vulcanian activity to violently explosive, plinian events that produce pyroclastic flows and surges.

Breaking the Disney Spell Essay

Jack Zipes, in his essay â€Å"Breaking the Disney Spell†, directly addresses the issue of what happens when a story is taken from its original oral form and written down. Zipes discusses in depth what Walt Disney has done to fairy tales and the consequences of Disney’s actions. Zipes addresses many issues, including those of context, society, and alteration of plot. He accuses Walt Disney of attacking â€Å"the literary tradition of the fairy tale† (344). While many scholars disagree with Zipes’ accusations, his essay makes very solid and well-presented points that he promptly backs with fact. Regardless of what the scholars say, Zipes was right: Oral tradition is important, and Disney’s representations of historical folktales damaged fairy tales as we know them. When Walt Disney began his cartoon and film career in 1927, he might have been unaware of how the American public would rush to purchase his â€Å"original† creations. His first cartoon, a re-creation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that added a comedic spin, began his career in the cartoon industry and eventually spun his company into a billion dollar enterprise (Funding Universe). As Disney’s popularity grew, he continued to expand his film creations, but generally by copying or â€Å"re-creating† fairy tales or other historical literature. Many Americans believe that Walt Disney was the first person to create fairy tales, and Disney failed to recognize the original creators of the stories that made him so popular: the folk. Historically, fairy tales were told amongst people that historians and folklorists refer to as â€Å"the folk. † That is, the stories were shared orally, in what is commonly referred to as â€Å"sacred space† (Curry). Fairy tales were not intended to be read alone, in silence. Rather, they were created to be shared in a group of people, and, while fairy tales were saturated with meaning, that meaning could vary based on the storyteller. Fairy Tales were also often the holders of a warning or admonition that could be adjusted depending on the listener. One mother might have told her daughter one version of â€Å"Cinderella† in order to make a statement about her daughter’s life, whereas another mother might have told a completely different version of the same story. This, Zipes argues, is what made fairy tales unique and important. He comments, â€Å"A narrator or narrators told tales to bring members of a group or tribe closer together and to provide them with a sense of mission† (332). Fairy tales were told from an older generation to a younger generation. As mentioned previously, they were not shared in private, by oneself, alone with a book or videotape. Zipes comments, â€Å"This privatization violated the communal aspects of the folk tale† (335). The stories were a collective form of communication that occurred in a group setting, in a safe place, in a sacred space. Fairy tales, besides communicating moral and social messages, were a rite of passage. Martha C. Sims and Martine Stephens, both revered folklorists, make a statement about the importance of storytelling and teaching in their book Living Folklore. â€Å"Rites of passage mark notable dates or stages in a person’s life. Most rites of passage occur at times of change or transition: birth, puberty, entering adulthood or coming-of-age, marriage, and death, for example† (110). Fairy tales were used in rites of passage as a way to communicate with the younger generation about the changes that take place during puberty, adolescence, and marriage. Even in the written versions of Fairy Tales produced by the Brothers Grimm, Perrault, and other respected folklorists, scholars are able to grasp and to understand the importance of various elements that are present in the stories that show valuable truth about life adjustments and growing up. Many folklorists, however, consider Disney’s version of historical fairy tales to have stripped them of their meaning. Zipes is one of them. Zipes uses the example of Disney’s recreation of Puss in Boots to show that Disney altered the story to â€Å"use it as a self-figuration that would mark the genre for years to come† (343). Zipes argues that Disney changes the protagonist of the story from Puss to the â€Å"young king. † In the original version of the tale, the cat was the hero and the young boy he was friends with played a minor role in the tale. The boy in the original tale was not royalty at all: he was a commoner. Disney changed both the importance of the boy’s role in the story, as well as his social status. By adjusting the story, Zipes declares that Disney projected his own self into the story and presented it in a sort of auto-biographical fashion. Disney saw himself as the young king and projected that into the story. Disney did not see himself as simply an ordinary commoner: he was far above the peasant class, at least in his own mind. While many of Disney’s fans and viewers may argue that his recreation of fairy tales made little to no impact on the original meaning, Zipes believes otherwise. â€Å"Disney’s film is also an attack on the literary tradition of the fairy tale. He robs the literary tale of its voice and changes its form and meaning† (344). Disney not only adjusts the main elements of a story, but he also alters the point of view and the narrator, as we see in Puss in Boots. Instead of the story being told from Puss’ point of view, the â€Å"hero† of the story is the young boy. In Disney’s other fairy tale recreations, he often adds characters and makes them the hero or savior of the story. Often, instead of being told by a female point of view and being about women, as many fairy tales are historically represented, Disney projects a patriarchal view on the story and makes it obvious to his viewers that a woman’s life is meaningless without a man to guide her. Disney’s characters all understand the importance of waiting around for their prince to arrive and â€Å"save them† from the life that they so torturously endure. Instead of the bright, intelligent, and witty women that are evidenced in such tales as Italo Calvino’s The False Grandmother and Lasair Gheug, the King of Ireland’s Daughter, Disney’s heroines appear to be lacking not only spine, but brains as well. Many American children have grown up completely unaware that the concept of a prince saving a princess is a distinctly Disney idea. The classic fairy tales often involve feminine strength and an urging of women to be able to outsmart her predators. If a girl is not able to outsmart her attacker, she is simply killed. This is evidenced quite well in Perrault’s Little Red Riding Hood and the Brothers Grimm tale of Little Red Cap. A comparison of the two stories will bring to light the idea that if a young girl is smart enough, she can outwit any predator – even a hungry wolf. The girl in Little Red Cap is able to do just that, and escapes with her life. Contrarily, the heroine of Little Red Riding Hood is not quite clever enough, and she is â€Å"gobbled up† (Perrault 13). The concept of women needing a savior is quite obvious in the Disney version of Snow White. Zipes notes, â€Å"Snow White was his story that he had taken from the Grimm Brothers and changed completely to suit his tastes and beliefs. He cast a spell over this German tale and transformed it into something peculiarly American† (346). Maria Tatar also notes the impact of Disney’s version on the American public as she comments, â€Å"Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has so eclipsed other versions of the story that it is easy to forget that hundreds of variants have been collected over the past century in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas† (74). In the oldest versions of Snow White, the heroine of the story does not need to be â€Å"saved† by a prince. The Brothers Grimm depict Snow White coming back to life by her coffin being jarred, which dislodged the apple in her throat (Grimm 89). Similarly, in the Lasair Gheug version of this tale, it is the king’s new wife who saves Snow White by picking the ice out of her forehead and palms (94). Disney, however, shows Snow White as a weak female who must be rescued by her â€Å"prince Charming. † She is saved, not by accident or by a minor character, but â€Å"when the prince, who has searched far and wife for her, arrives and bestows a kiss on her lips. His kiss of love is the only antidote to the queen’s poison† (Zipes 348). Disney’s portrayal of princesses or young girls as weak and frail leads Zipes to believe that Disney â€Å"perpetuated a male myth† which is, subconsciously, a celebration of his own destiny and success (348). Disney, although his primary characters are nearly always female, depicts them as weak and needy. It is only the secondary male character and the antagonist female in Disney’s stories who appear to have spines. By keeping his primary female characters weak, Disney is sending the message that women are helpless without men. Zipes, in accordance with this idea, notices that not only are the primary females in Disney’s stories kept weak, but that the male â€Å"heroes† of his tales are overly masculine and are the saviors of the stories. â€Å"In this regard,† notes Zipes, â€Å"the prince can be interpreted as Disney†¦ Snow White cannot be fulfilled until he arrives to kiss her†¦ † (349). Zipes argues that Disney, in his creation of weak females and strong male heroes, is making a statement that he, Disney, is a hero. Disney’s re-telling of these fairy tales is not simply adding his own perspective to the issue at hand. Rather, Disney completely rewrites fairy tales to mean what he wants them to mean. Most historical fairy tales have a common theme and moral in them, regardless of the story teller. From Perrault to the Brothers Grimm, much retelling is similar, with only slight variances. Disney, however, with his addition of â€Å"him† to the story, alters the story not only by point of view, but also in it’s moral and its core message. Some folklorists argue that a recreation and revision of historical folklore is necessary to ensure that the current generations retain their interest in the past. Many might argue that Disney’s retelling of fairy tales has not harmed the historical value of the stories. Benjamin Filene makes this argument in his work Romancing the Folk. â€Å"†¦ the backward glance can be more than nostalgic — that memory can create American culture anew† (236). While Filene may truly believe that it is important to incite interest in folklore amongst the youth of the current generation, Zipes disagrees. His research leads him to believe that this alteration, whether for personal gain or simply for popularizing any type of folklore, permanently hinders the message that is inherently present in the original version. Disney, in his new representations of fairy tales, loses sight of the original messages and completely removed the moral and meaning from the stories. Zipes, in Breaking the Disney Spell, provides clear evidence that Disney has violated the sanctity of fairy tales by rewriting them for his own personal pleasure and gain. By projecting himself into the fairy tales, Disney not only removes the moral message of the story, but also replaces the matriarchal values with patriarchal ones. Disney molds women to meet his standards of how women should behave, rather than portraying the strong and clever females that are visible in the original tales. While fairy tales were altered when they became a written tradition rather than an oral one, most stories still maintained their original moral values. Disney, however, strips the stories even of that in lieu of something â€Å"better†: his own pleasure and fame. After Disney, fairy tales will never be the same. Now, society is stuck with his egotistical creations that are beneficial to no one but himself. Instead of the stories being meaningful and a rite of passage, they are reduced to simply a meaningless tale of Disney’s life and goals. Zipes was right: Disney has damaged fairy tales and they will never be quite the same

How does language allow self-reflection

How does language allow self-reflection? BY paulvolpi15 How does language allow self-reflection? There are two selves of the self; the spontaneous self is their acting impulsively in response to needs and desires regardless of concern. The other self is the socially conscious self, which monitors and moderates the impulses from the spontaneous self. For example, during a mental argument the spontaneous self may want to retrieve (property) goods without purchasing, but the socially conscious self may censor the spontaneous self by reminding themselves that doing so is illegal.It's like having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. This self-reflection allows us to monitor our communication, so that we (our two selves) can remind ourselves in conversation that people of other cultures may have different values. Also it helps us to achieve the appearance we project of ourselves by modifying our speech and behavior to the situation. How does language organize perceptions? The way we organize experiences effects what they mean to us.When you put someone into the category of family or friend, an insult becomes playful teasing, but when an enemy or stranger says the same insult it is extremely offensive. We can use this organizational quality o go beyond specific experiences and simplify them to be seen as abstract thoughts. This simplification and organization can twist our thoughts through stereotyping. Stereotyping attaches individuals and experiences into a crowd that emphasizes a mutual characteristic but, it can often ignore the dissimilarities within the crowd.Evidently, we have to take a broad view at phenomena to function regularly but it's important to reflect on our stereotypes to recognize the differences between phenomena. How does language allow hypothetical thought? How do you think you will do in this semester? Where do you see yourself after graduation? What can you see yourself achieving after graduation? When answering these questions yo u must think hypothetically or outside the box. Using symbols helps us to think hypothetically because we can label ideas and capture them in our minds and then we can reflect on them.We can apply our past experiences to our present situation and plan out potential futures. Words have no basic connection to what they represent. We could substitute other symbols to represent the same phenomena. The meaning of a word is a collective construction by members of a group. This allows for the meaning of words to shift over time or even be newly generated. For xample, the term â€Å"googling† never existed until free search engines were created and became publicly acceptable among all internet users as a verb that means searching for info, like data, stats, and facts.Many words can have different implications for different groups of people. For example, the implication of a word for a specific group of people is considered socially acceptable for all members of the group but unaccept able in other groups. Also, you might have words that have specific or a special implication for only your family and friends. As our words and symbols continue to move away from an independent reality, the potential for onfusion is very huge. For example, overgeneralization is intentionally used for extreme perfection.We can reduce the existence of these kinds of mistakes by using more specific language. Ultimately the connection between language and perception seems to be very complicated because it is so broad and so specific. The only thing that comes to mind is basically how people decide to comprehend the language from a group and the way people communicate their perception back to a group.

Experiencing Discourse in Different Situations Essay Example

Experiencing Discourse in Different Situations Essay Example Experiencing Discourse in Different Situations Paper Experiencing Discourse in Different Situations Paper The main points of Gee’s piece Literacy, Discourse, and Linguistics, Villanueva’s piece Excerpts from Bootstraps: From an Academic of Color, and Priors piece Tracing Process: How Tests Come into Being are discourse. In the first reading Gee describes the main discourses, which are primary discourse, and secondary discourse. Primary discourse was explained more as the influence of your language and writing from your house hold, and family. Then secondary discourse would be the influence from your teachers and school. In Villanueva’s piece he talks about his journey through college, and how it was more challenging for him because his primary discourse was not the same as everyone else’s. As for Prior he explains the process of writing, and all the drafts you must have, along with switching your discourse depending on who you’re writing for. At the beginning of Gee’s piece he talks about the two ladies that are doing interviews for jobs that they want. He states, â€Å" This woman hasn’t got a real problem with her grammar, nor is there any real problem with the use to which she puts that grammar, but she is expressing the wrong values†(Gee pg. 2). He was discussing that what they were saying in their interviews, was probably not the best things to be saying. This is relating to Prior’s piece because he talks about how you change discourses depending on your audience. If you are having an interview you want to be very professional, and make your self sound proper, but you also need to make yourself sound qualified for the job. It’s also states discourse isn’t all about grammar, and speaking proper like school always taught us is not always appropriate or necessary. The most important part of communication is the content. In the interviews the girls were asked if they have ever sh own initiative in a previous job. One of the girls responds with, â€Å"I was left alone to handle the office, I didn’t really have a lot of e

Underage essays

Underage essays Minor Drinking and why its not right Minor drinking can cause many different problems in fact according to preliminary estimates, in 2000 there were 5,702 youth between the ages of 16 and 20 killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Teenagers make less than 7% of the nation's licensed drivers, but they are involved in 15% of all fatal crashes. Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involving teenagers occur at night between 9pm and 6am.After 11 years of decline in the number of high school seniors reporting daily drinking, the numbers increased 16 percent proportionally from 2.5% in 1993 to 2.9% in 2000. However, from 1999 to 2000 there was a 15% decrease in the proportion of high school seniors reporting daily drinking. While all 50 states and DC have a zero tolerance policy for youth under 21, 21% of 16-20 year old drivers involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .10 or higher in 1999. Fourteen percent of these young drivers were involved in fatal crashes where the BAC level was .10 or hi gher. With these numbers you can see why alcoholism in a minor is not appropriate. Minors are not as experianced as an adult. An adult has to have been driving for at least five years. Drinking and driving is not ok by any means, but a person who has had the experiance can control the wheel a lot better than someone who has only been driving for a year or so. The landmark inc. conducted a survey including 900 adults. This survey shows that adults believe in cracking down on minor drinking. Seventy six percent of adults believe that parents should be held responsible for their teen's drinking. Another Eighty Six percent call for restrictions in home delivery of alcohol. Seventy Four percent support restrictions on alcohol advertising. Even fifty four percent of adults agree on increasing alcohol taxes. Now thats a lot to say since adults are legally able to drink. That makes it harder for them to afford something the...

COLLEGE PAPER WRITING SERVICE for Students

COLLEGE PAPER WRITING SERVICE for Students Good written paper is no doubt a writing masterpiece. But if you ask yourself, what makes the academic essay so good? The answer to this question will be simple but the good essay writing does require much abilities and skills and college paper writing service is ready to help. Here are a few simple steps for you to follow while writing your perfect college paper. First is to study you the presented sources carefully. In addition to that make sure to sort well the reference sources. Second, communicate on paper your ideas and thoughts the most effective way you know. Third, generate the most impressive content you can come up with, aim to the unique piece of writing in the first place. Fourth is to put the facts into the logical and most sequential order while aiming to provide the continuous information flow. Fifth is to concentrate on using the simple language that speaks directly to the reader. And sixth is to apply your own personal writing style to show your understanding of the subject and to answer the central questions of the given essay.

Last part Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Last part - Essay Example Aljawhra also sign in the gym so we can go together instead of me going alone. Indeed, my friend pointed out that she will join me in the yoga and meditation session when she has a chance although she is a working woman. She asked me to come to her home and visit any time as I feel that I need to see someone when feel low and depressed. Aljawhra also mentioned that after every month we will create an overview of the improvements to keep me strong and a list of weak moments which we both would try to avoid in future. I am really surprised and grateful of Aljawhra’s offer because it really means a lot to me to have my best friend supporting me through thick and thin and help me overcome my failure. The course of stress management provided me a lot of information about stress and how to deal with it. I was really surprised me with the amount of methods one can practice on their own to reduce and control stress. In fact, this course was one of the most promising and persuading courses as it constituted of different activities we practiced and topics we discussed in class. This course also helped me to identify my own stressors and learn how to deal with then in a healthy and independent manner. I really enjoyed this course and do not regret taking

Chapter Summaries and case Studies Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Chapter Summaries and Studies - Case Study Example This paper will present a summary of chapters 1 to 5 and tackle the case study questions for the Akron Children Hospital. Chapter one is titled Introduction to Business Research, and in this chapter, the authors offer an introduction on the reasons why the business research should be studied. It highlights the relevance of the information and its significance in giving organizations a competitive advantage in the business world. The authors are keen to introduce the role of research in developing a business strategy as well as in making decisions. An intriguing aspect tackled in this chapter is the hierarchy of information followed by many organizations when making decisions. After offering such an informative introduction, the authors proceed to present a preview of the entire research process. From this review, readers get to understand that, research is not always problem solving based. Qualities of good research are also discussed in this introductory chapter. In a bid to place emphasis on different research methodologies, four different research studies are presented in this chapter and the type o f each research discussed in details (Cooper & Schindler, 2013). Chapter two of the book tackles a significant aspect in research which surrounds ethics. Notably, each field of study has a cord of ethics that researchers must adhere to. Such ethical considerations are critical in promoting the integrity of the research as well as in the development of a favorable relationship between the respondents and the researcher. More critically, some business researchers have sponsors who provide the funds for carrying out the research. Therefore, a cord of ethics also governs the relationship between the researcher and the sponsor (p. 39). Moreover, researchers rely on the efforts of the members to collect and analyze data. The relationship between the researchers and the team members should also be governed by a defined cord of ethics. The authors

Formal legal brief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Formal legal brief - Essay Example Their demand was that the statute should be declared unconstitutional as it makes impossible to exercise the liberty interest protected under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. Both the District Court and then the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit expressed the view that the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution encompasses a due process liberty interest in controlling the time and manner of one’s death, and that the Washington statute is unconstitutional when it applies to terminally ill competent adults who want to hasten their deaths. Whether the Washington state statute which holds that a person who assists in hastening the death of terminally ill people is unconstitutional as it violates the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment? The Washing state statute which holds that a person who knowingly causes or aids another person to attempt suicide is guilty of felony of promoting suicide attempt is not unconstitutional as it does not violate the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause. The first point is that the due process clause does not protect the right to commit suicide and hence the same does not allow the right to assist in committing suicide. Secondly, from the legal traditions of the nation and its history, it is evident that the due process clause does not consider the right to assistance in committing suicide as a fundamental liberty interest. First of all, a patient who is suffering from such a terminal illness with extreme pain has no legal barriers to getting such medications which will even cause unconsciousness and hasten death if the main purpose is to help reduce pain. In such a situation, it is unnecessary to answer the question whether a mentally competent person with great suffering and pain has a constitutionally cognizable interest to control his or her own death. Secondly, the liberty as protected under the due process clause does not include

Understanding Emotions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Understanding Emotions - Essay Example Finally, I realized that we had fallen into a pattern where the floors were vacuumed once every two weeks when I did it and the kitchen and bathroom was cleaned every two weeks – again, when I did it. What pushed me over the edge was discovering that my roommate has now even given up on cleaning out the dishes she’s used, just leaving them in the sink for me to clean up whenever I enter. By analyzing my physical and cognitive reactions in this situation, as well as my customary means of expressing my emotions, I have been able to reassess whether these methods are ultimately successful. When I discovered my roommate’s dishes in the sink, unrinsed and with the counters splattered with whatever she’d eaten, I felt my temperature suddenly jump up about ten degrees. My heart started beating strongly. I can’t say whether the beat was faster than it had been, but I suddenly heard it thumping in my ears which hadn’t been the case a moment before. My ears seemed to begin to throb in time with the beat, introducing the very beginnings of a headache and I felt as if the entire top of my head was about to explode upwards through the ceiling. I was carrying something breakable, so I tried to put it down somewhere as gently as I could, still managing to crash it on the table harder than I should have. As I did so, I noticed that I didn’t seem to be as completely in control of my body as I’d hoped I’d be. My hands were shaking and my mouth suddenly seemed full to bursting with no satisfaction unless opened. I remember a flash of t hought of how my roommate had been obviously not doing her half of the chores for months now and an idea that this wasn’t the first time I’d come home to find dirty dishes in the sink when I’d left it clean. When my roommate came sauntering in to place another dish on the counter and looked at me as if they’d done nothing out

Article Critique Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Article Critique - Assignment Example The use of DDT, however, is heavily regulated under the World Health Organization’s Position Statement on DDT and the agreement named Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants. These documents allow the use of DDT only for Indoor Residual Spraying and that too until equally effective and affordable alternatives are developed. DDT has 6 to 12 months effectiveness when sprayed on walls and ceilings of homes. This is the longest residual life of any insecticide. Apart from that, DDT casts irritant effect on disease vectors creating strong spatial repellency and reducing human - vector contact significantly. This results in mosquitos feeding off at far off places outside the houses, thereby tremendously hampering the transmission of the disease in human population (WHO). Moreover, the cheapness of the chemical and ease of its use have made it a hit over the years. But, in opposition to all the above mentioned benefits of DDT, there have been bundles and bundles of stud ies carried out by critics, highlighting its human health and environmental harms. A human can get exposure to DDT through a number of ways; from eating foods that were sprayed by it, in-taking contaminated air or water, breast feeding by an exposed mother, or simply by breathing or swallowing soil particles from areas that were DDT sprayed. In response to its exposure, among the many harms that have been discovered, the most frequently reported ones are breast cancer, diabetes, brain damage, genital birth defects and reduced fertility. All these effects can be attributed to the high chemical stability of DDT in the four phases of disposition of its toxicity i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The chemical has the quality of accumulating in the environment through cells of exposed organisms and organic food chains, which is primarily the reason why its toxicity lingers on and shows after effects in sprayed areas till long after. From the look of things, the dra wbacks of DDT seem to considerably outweigh its benefits, but it is interesting to find out after profound research, that almost all the studies that report potential harms from the use of DDT are either weak or contradictory to each other. This can be proven both through scientific research and the numerical data from plagued areas. A recent paper compiled under co-authorship of a senior officer of Uganda’s Malaria control program found only average concentrations of plasma DDT/DDE (77ppb) in the spray team after a continuous six months of IRS with the chemical (Bismenya et al.). Similarly, new information on increased levels of accumulation in human milk and exposures to DDT was evaluated in 2010 by WHO expert consultation. The reported levels were concluded to be below level of concern of human health (WHO). A lot of the times, studies have been conducted on laboratory animals and the effects found on them have been generalized on human beings without proper confirmation. WHO then analyzed epidemiological data and found no support for these findings in humans in 2007. Adding further to the support of use of DDT are the actual cases and data from the strongly affected countries. In Sri Lanka, use of DDT had reduced malaria cases from 2.8 million in 1948 to 17 in 1963. After spraying was banned in the next decade, malaria

Summary and criticism of book chapter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Summary and criticism of book chapter - Essay Example Defeat in the war led to the break-up of the Monarchy, and this was unforeseen even until the summer of 1918 (Sked, 1989 ). The Habsurg army persevered till the very end. Had they been victorious, their Monarchy would not only have survived, but would also have expanded. In The Dual Monarchy chapter of the Decline and Fall of the Habsburg Empire, analyzes the position of Hungary within the Empire, the nationalist and economic growth problems, the rise of fresh political and social forces, cultural pessimism, and the foreign policy issues prior to 1914. These analyses are conducted in the light of the commonly known weaknesses that afflicted the Dual Monarchy, and it is meant to deduce what condition the Habsburg Empire was in before its collapse. The Habsburg Monarchy stretched from the territories that were under the rule of the junior Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg (1278–1780). This branch of rulers was succeeded by House of Habsburg-Lorraine (from 1780), between 1 526 and 1867/1918. Vienna was the official capital until it was temporarily replaced from 1583 to 1611, with Prague. The Habsburg ruled over the Austrian Empire from 1804 to 1867 the Habsburgs and the they moved onto ruling Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918 ruled the Austrian Empire and from 1867 to 1918 Austria-Hungary. ... The Hungarians were agitated significantly owing to the suppression they felt was being exerted on their call for a revolution. This suppression was backed by the Russians. However, the entire Hungarian agitation with Austria had been festering for many years, and the reasons for this were manifold. Towards the end of the 1850’s, a lot of Hungarian practiced a change of attitude, inclined to recognize the Habsburg dominion and scavenge the idea of a revolt. Their validation for this rest in the fact that while Hungary had right to full independence and self-government, the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 foreign affairs were the similar for Austria and Hungary, When the Austrians were beaten at Koniggratz, it became crucial for them to counterfeit reconciliatory ties with Hungary in order to accomplish their lost esteem and power. The new foreign minister wanted to substantiate the previously stalled round of discussions with the previously delayed round of consultations with the H ungarians. In order seek Hungary’s hold up for the Monarchy, Emperor Franz Joseph compiled a deal with Hungarian powers yielding them the popular coronation as King, a separate parliament at Budapest, and the powers to set up laws for the lands that were to be governed by the Hungarian Crown. Initiating from1867, the allocation of common spending was set at 70% for Austria and 30% for the Hungarians. It was decided that this allocation would be revisited every 10 years, and by the year 1907, the Hungarian allocation was raised to 36.4% common expenditure was allocated 70% to Austria and 30% to Hungary. This split had to be discussed every 10 years, and, by 1907, the Hungarian allocation had

Article Critique Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Article Critique - Assignment Example The use of DDT, however, is heavily regulated under the World Health Organization’s Position Statement on DDT and the agreement named Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants. These documents allow the use of DDT only for Indoor Residual Spraying and that too until equally effective and affordable alternatives are developed. DDT has 6 to 12 months effectiveness when sprayed on walls and ceilings of homes. This is the longest residual life of any insecticide. Apart from that, DDT casts irritant effect on disease vectors creating strong spatial repellency and reducing human - vector contact significantly. This results in mosquitos feeding off at far off places outside the houses, thereby tremendously hampering the transmission of the disease in human population (WHO). Moreover, the cheapness of the chemical and ease of its use have made it a hit over the years. But, in opposition to all the above mentioned benefits of DDT, there have been bundles and bundles of stud ies carried out by critics, highlighting its human health and environmental harms. A human can get exposure to DDT through a number of ways; from eating foods that were sprayed by it, in-taking contaminated air or water, breast feeding by an exposed mother, or simply by breathing or swallowing soil particles from areas that were DDT sprayed. In response to its exposure, among the many harms that have been discovered, the most frequently reported ones are breast cancer, diabetes, brain damage, genital birth defects and reduced fertility. All these effects can be attributed to the high chemical stability of DDT in the four phases of disposition of its toxicity i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The chemical has the quality of accumulating in the environment through cells of exposed organisms and organic food chains, which is primarily the reason why its toxicity lingers on and shows after effects in sprayed areas till long after. From the look of things, the dra wbacks of DDT seem to considerably outweigh its benefits, but it is interesting to find out after profound research, that almost all the studies that report potential harms from the use of DDT are either weak or contradictory to each other. This can be proven both through scientific research and the numerical data from plagued areas. A recent paper compiled under co-authorship of a senior officer of Uganda’s Malaria control program found only average concentrations of plasma DDT/DDE (77ppb) in the spray team after a continuous six months of IRS with the chemical (Bismenya et al.). Similarly, new information on increased levels of accumulation in human milk and exposures to DDT was evaluated in 2010 by WHO expert consultation. The reported levels were concluded to be below level of concern of human health (WHO). A lot of the times, studies have been conducted on laboratory animals and the effects found on them have been generalized on human beings without proper confirmation. WHO then analyzed epidemiological data and found no support for these findings in humans in 2007. Adding further to the support of use of DDT are the actual cases and data from the strongly affected countries. In Sri Lanka, use of DDT had reduced malaria cases from 2.8 million in 1948 to 17 in 1963. After spraying was banned in the next decade, malaria

Marketing communication Plan for Aer Lingus Essay

Marketing communication Plan for Aer Lingus - Essay Example The major focus of the airline is on B2B. In order to collect information, the company should use more social media. Moreover, it has been recommended that the company should focus on B2C as well. The main reason is that the B2B is a small customer size segment as this will increase its revenues (Dialogue marketing, 2014). The brand image of the airline is professional but affordable. People perceive the airline as a low cost airline and customer expectations average quality service from the airline. The company to increase its brand image and to meet up the customers’ expectations, the management should advertise the qualities and services offered at the given price as well as should promote the brand image while advertising to attract more customers. Culture, Values, and Beliefs: The airline is committed to serve at the central and convenient locations, so that there is large number of passengers travelling. The mission of the company is to connect the Ireland with the world and different countries of the world with Ireland through providing quality services at competitive price. The secondary mission of the airline is to enhance the connectivity for the customers. The company is facing issues as the brand of the airline is not renowned and many people are not aware about the brand, thus it is essential the values are communicated clearly and more widely so that it reaches to a larger audience. The brand awareness of the airline is not strong in the United Kingdom. The perception of the airline is low carrier airline, however it is not the best service providers as compared to its competitors. Thus, this low price perception has been blurred as well due to the offerings of Ryanair and other low-cost airways. The company has limited locations to go and has lower customer retention rate particularly when compared with the competitors. In order to attain all these goals, it is essential to design a

Overview of Synthesis and Preparation Experiments

Overview of Synthesis and Preparation Experiments Introduction: As we know, Manganese is found in the first row of transition metal with the electron configuration [Ar] 3d5 4s2. Besides that, Manganese has different type of oxidation states when it appears as a compound and the oxidation state is from Mn(-III) until Mn(VII). So, we know that the compounds of manganese range in the oxidation number have a different of 10 electrons. In the experiment 1, we prepare tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III), Mn(acac)3 by using manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate and potassium permanganate act as oxidation agent to oxidise manganese(II) chloride to acetylacetonemanganese(III). Manganese(III) acetylacetonate is an one- electron oxidant. Manganese(III) acetylacetonate is high spin. It has also a distorted octahedral structure. This distortion is due to the Jahn-Teller effect. (Absolute Astronomy, 2009). The structure of Manganese(III) acetylacetonate is shown as below:- (Source: Tcieurope.com) The equation is as follow:- MnCl2 + 4H2O Mn(H2O)4Cl2 Mn(H2O)4] Cl + 2HC5H7O2 + NaC2H3O2 Mn(C5H7O2)2 + NaCl + HC2H2O2 4Mn(C5H7O2)2 + KMnO4 + 7HC5H7O2 + HC2H3O2 5Mn(C5H7O2)3 + KC2H3O2 + 4H2O Furthermore, bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) is also known as Vanadyl acetylacetonate, VO(acac)2. As we know, it is a blue green complex. bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) has a vanadyl group, VO2+. The vanadyl group is bonded to 2 acetylacetonate anions and the structure of the compound is as follow:- This complex can be made from vanadium(IV) or vanadium(V). In our experiment, bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) was prepared from vanadium(V) oxide and the equation is as follow:- V2O5 + 2H2SO4 + EtOH 2VOSO4 + 3H2O + CH3CHO VOSO4 + 2HC5H7O2 + Na2CO3 VO(C5H7O2)2 + Na2So4 + H2O + CO2 (Absolute Astronomy, 2009) Besides that, both of the acetylacetonato (acac) groups of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) are able to be exchanged with organic ligands having coordinating atoms of different potentialities. (Maurya, 2003) Both Manganese(III) acetylacetonate and bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) are bond with acetylacetonate which known as ligand. The precursor for acetylacetonate is acetylacetone with formula CÂ ­5H8O2. However, acetylacetonate is an anion. It can bind to corresponding cation but it very hard to exist as a free ion in solution. In addition, Cobalt is a hard, gray metal. It has a proton number 27. Besided that, there are two types of cobalt ions namely Co2+ and Co3+. First, Co3+ ion is more weaker than the Co2+ ion. However, the complex ion formed with higher oxidation state is more stable. ( Â °zmir Institute of Technology, n.d.). So that, Cobalt(III) complexes are kinetically inert. Co3+ can undergo a process known as ligand exchange reactions slowly which compared to Co2+ complexes. The cobalt(III) complexes are usually in octahedral shape. In the experiment, chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride is being synthesized. The structure is as follow:- (Source: Chemicalbook.com) The complex is prepared by the oxidation of ammoniacal solution of cobalt(II) salts by using hydrogen peroxide. The formula is as follow:- Co2+ + NH4+ + 1/2H202 → [Co(NH3)5H20]3+ [Co(NH3)5H20]3+ + 3Cl- → [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 + H20 ( Â °zmir Institute of Technology, n.d.) Materials and Methods: Experiment one, 5g of MnCl2.4H20 1.3g of NaC2H3O2.3H2O NaC2H3O2.3H2O Dissolved in 200cm3 of distilled water. 21cm3 of 2HC5H7O2 slowly added 1g of KMnO4 Present of two-phase layer Solution A added in with stirring Dissolved in 50cm3 of distilled water. 13g of NaC2H3O2.3H2O Solution B added in Solution A Solution B Dissolved in 50cm3 of distilled water. Heated with 60oC for 30 minutes Complex washed with acetone Solid complex filtered by suction Resultant solution was cooled with ice-cold water Experiment 2 Experiment 3 5 cm3 distilled water 4 cm3 concentrated H2SO4 10 cm3 ethanol Were added in. Recrystallise Results : For experiment 1, from the equation below, I can get the theoretical mass of the Mn(acac)3 solid complex by : Mn(H2O)4] Cl + 2HC5H7O2 + NaC2H3O2 Mn(C5H7O2)2 + NaCl + HC2H2O2 4Mn(C5H7O2)2 + KMnO4 + 7HC5H7O2 + HC2H3O2 5Mn(C5H7O2)3 + KC2H3O2 + 4H2O From the equation, we know that 1 mol of Mn(H2O)4] Cl = 1 mol of Mn(C5H7O2)2. So, 5 g of Mn(H2O)4] Cl = 0.0308 mol is also = 0.0308 mol of Mn(C5H7O2)2. From the second equation, 4 mol of Mn(C5H7O2)2 = 5 mol of Mn(acac)3 0.0308 mol of Mn(C5H7O2)2 = 0.0385 mol. So, theoretical weight of Mn(acac)3 = 0.0385 mol X 252.938 g/mol theoretical weight of Mn(acac)3 = 9.7381 g The following shows the method to get our experimental weight: Weight of Sample tube 14. 8180 g Weight of Sample tube + solid complex , Mn(acac)3 18.7785 g So, the experimental weight of Mn(acac)3complexes were 3.9605 g Percentage yield of Mn(acac)3complexes we get was = 3.9605 g / 9.7381 g X 100 % = 40.67 % Next, Magnetic moment of Mn(acac)3complexes were calculated as follow : m = 0.9278g- 0.8193g = 0.1085g Ro= -33 L = 2.4cm R= 1165 (paramagnetic) CBal = 1 X(g) = [CBal X L X (R-Ro) ] / 109 X m X(g) of Mn(acac)3complexes = 2.65 X 10-5 So, Mn(acac)3complexes are paramagnetic Interpretation of IR spectrum for complexes will be written in discussion. For experiment 2, from the equation below, I can get the theoretical mass of the [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 solid complex by : Co2+ + NH4+ + 1/2H202 → [Co(NH3)5H20]3+ [Co(NH3)5H20]3+ + 3Cl- → [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 + H20 From the above equation, 1 mol of Co2+ = 1 mol of [Co(NH3)5H2O]3+ 12g of Co2+ = 0.0504 mol So 0.0504 mol of [Co(NH3)5H20]3+= 0.0504 mol of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 Theoretical weight of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 solid complexes = 0.0504 mol X 250.433 g/mol = 12.6218 g The following shows the method to get our experimental weight: Weight of Sample tube 14. 9285 g Weight of Sample tube + solid complex , Mn(acac)3 22.3723 g So, the experimental weight of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 solid complexes = 7.4438 g Percentage yield of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2complexes = 7.4438 g / 12.6218 g X 100 % = 58.98 % Next, Magnetic moment of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2complexes were calculated as follow : m = 0.9264g- 0.8207g = 0.1057g Ro= -36 L = 2.1cm R= -41 (dimagnetic) CBal = 1 X(g) = [CBal X L X (R-Ro) ] / 109 X m X(g) of [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2complexes = -9.9338 X 10-8 So, [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2complexes are dimagnetic For experiment 3, from the equation below, I can get the theoretical mass of the [Vo(acac)2(H2O)] solid complex by : V2O5 + 2H2SO4 + EtOH 2VOSO4 + 3H2O + CH3CHO VOSO4 + 2HC5H7O2 + Na2CO3 VO(C5H7O2)2 + Na2So4 + H2O + CO2 From the above equation, 1 mol of V2O5 = 2 mol of VOSO4 2g 0f V2O5 = 0.011 mol = 0.022 mol of VOSO4 2 mol of VOSO4 = 2 mol of VO(C5H7O2)2 Theoretical weight of VO(C5H7O2)2= 0.022 mol X 264.94 g/mol = 5.8287 g The following shows the method to get our experimental weight: Weight of Sample tube 14.8445 g Weight of Sample tube + solid complex , Mn(acac)3 18.5818 g So, the experimental weight of VO(C5H7O2)2= 3.7373 g Percentage yield of VO(C5H7O2)2= 3.7373 g / 5.8287 g X 100% = 64.12% Next, Magnetic moment of impure VO(C5H7O2)2 complexes were calculated as follow : m = 0.8880g 0.8244 g = 0.0636g Ro= -34 L = 2.5cm R= 72 (paramagnetic) CBal = 1 X(g) = [CBal X L X (R-Ro) ] / 109 X m X(g) of impure VO(C5H7O2)2complexes = 4.17 X 10-6 So, VO(C5H7O2)2complexes are paramagnetic Magnetic moment of pure VO(C5H7O2)2 complexes were calculated as follow : m = 0.8947g -0.8211 = 0.0736g Ro= -33 L = 2.3cm R= 144 (paramagnetic) CBal = 1 X(g) of pure VO(C5H7O2)2complexes = 5.53 X 10-6 Discussion : Interpretation of IR spectrum for tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III): Wavenumber (cm-1) Description of bands 2921.1 2959.7 -relative intensity : weak CH stretching of CH3 1593.9 1508.0 -relative intensity : strong -(C=C) stretching -(C=CH) deformation 1387.2 -relative intensity : strong -(CH3)- symmetric C-H deformation 1253.5 -relative intensity : strong -(C=C) stretching -(C-CH3) stretching 1016.8 -relative intensity : strong -(CH3) out-of plane bending 923.2 -relative intensity : strong -(C-CH3) stretching 777.0 -relative intensity : strong -(C-H)deformation 678.1 -relative intensity : medium/ strong -(C-CH3)stretching,(O=C-CH3) deformation -(Mn-O) stretching indicates metal-ligand bond 460.1 relative intensity : weak (C=C) stretching,(C-CH3) stretching -(Mn-O) stretching that also indicates metal-ligand bond Interpretation of IR spectrum for chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride: Wavenumber (cm-1) Description of bands 3258.0 -relative intensity : strong NH3 stretch 1576.2 -relative intensity : medium -degenerate asymmetric NH3 stretching 1307.8 -relative intensity : strong -symmetric NH3 angle deformation 844.9 -relative intensity : strong -NH3 rocking 487.6 -(Co-Cl) stretching indicates metal-ligand bond Interpretation of IR spectrum for impure bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV): Wavenumber (cm-1) Description of bands 1556.8 1521.0 -relative intensity : medium (C=O) stretching -( C=C),(C=CH) stretching 1418.7 -relative intensity : medium -(CH3) deformation 1374.0 1357.6 -relative intensity : strong -(C=O) stretching -(CH3) deformation mode 1286.6 -relative intensity : strong -(C=C=C) stretching 998.2 -relative intensity : strong and sharp -stretching of V=O bond -it also indicates the metal-ligand bond. 1018.6 -relative intensity : strong -(CH3) rocking 936.1 -relative intensity : strong -(C-CH3) stretching -(C=O) stretching 798.6 -relative intensity : medium -(C-H) out-of-plane bending 685.9 657.2 -relative intensity : medium/ weak -(ring) deformation out-of-plane bending for: 609.2 -(ring) deformation Interpretation of IR spectrum for pure bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV): FTIR is known as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. This FTIR can be used to identify different types of chemical bond which is either organic compound or inorganic compound. So no two different compounds will have same spectrum. However, FTIR may cause destructive to our sample compare to magnetic susceptibility which is non-destructive. Besides that, magnetic susceptibility can be group by paramagnetic, diamagnetic and ferromagnetic. Paramagnetic substance is those attracted by strong magnetic field but those repelled by magnetic field are diamagnetic substances. Besides that, we can also confirm the shape by using magnetic susceptibility. The Cobalt ion to form Chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride has 6 electron in d orbital. Magnetic Susceptibility for chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride is -9.9338 X 10-8 and it is diamagnetic. Only the low-spin octahedral shape shows diamagnetic properties, so the shape of chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride is octahedral. Magnetic Susceptibility for tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III) is 2.65 X 10-5 and it is paramagnetic. So the shape of tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III) is octahedral. However we cannot determine whether is low-spin or high-spin in this situation because we are not calculating the pairing energy for the complex. In addition, there is only one electron in d orbital for vanadium ion of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV). Magnetic susceptibility for it is 4.17 X 10-6 and it is paramagnetic. Moreover, oxovanadium complexes act as insulin mimetics, nucleolytic and anticancer. To recognize insulin- mimetic complexes, a simple and fast in-vitro assay is developed. Besides that, an accurate assessment of the cells taken up of glucose, in-vitro assay with Ehrlich can be used. The oxovanadium complexes can cleave DNA without the present of hydrogen peroxide. Then, its nucleolytic efficiency is also greater but it is affected by the choice of buffer and pH. The oxovanadium complexes is also an anticancer agent against human ovarian cancer. Actually, I have acquired a lot of new knowledge among these three experiments. First, experiment one and two are easier to carry out compared to experiment three. This is because experiment one and two involved oxidation which Mn2+ was oxidized to Mn3+ ; Co2+ was oxidized to Co3+. Whereas experiment 3 involved reduction which reduced VO5+ to VO4+. At the beginning of each experiments, we heated up the sample in open air. It is easier to oxidize the compound than reduce the compound in the presence of oxygen. So, we need more time to heated the V2O5. During the first time of experiment three, I failed to get a blue color solid powder. This is because I heated the sample in the open air and I failed to control the heater. So, after the filtration process, I got a white solid powder. Therefore, I learnt from the mistake and during the second time I used reflux method. This time I can control the heating process well. The ethanol was not evaporated much. After filtration, I got quite a lot of blue solid powder. So, I knew that, for reduction process, we cannot heat the sample too quickly and heat too long. If we heated too long, most of the product will evaporate. Next, from the FTIR spectrum, I can observe that the spectrum from the first and third experiment are quite similar. This is because, the peak from the spectrum are mostly from the acetylacetonato (acac). However, spectrum from experiment two is quite different from other experiment because mostly the peaks come from Cl compared to other experiments. The percentage yield of the complexes from all the three experiment that I have calculate out was not so high. This is maybe due to the washing of the product with acetone, some of the product was dissolved and washed away. However, there are other factors which cause problem to our results. First, most of the heating plate we used cannot function well. I changed many heating plate during the experiment. Next, we have kept our half way done sample for more than 7 days. The results may not be so accurate anymore. Another factor maybe due to the volume and amount of the sample and other material we measure are not accurate. Our product may contain some impurities. However, some of the precaution was taken during the experiment. In these experiments, some of the chemical was corrosive and poisonous such as concentrated HCl and H2SO4. So, we poured the chemical carefully in the fume board. Next, before using any instrument, we read through the manual to understand the steps to function the magnetic susceptibility balance. We also taken down some important steps to function the FTIR spectrophotometer. I have asked some help from lab assistant on where to get the material for experiment. Conclusion The percentage yield for tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III) is 40.67%, chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride is 58.98% and (acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) is 64.12%. For tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III), the peak for two Mn-O bond are at the region approximately 678.1 cm-1 and 458.3 cm-1. For chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride, the peak for Co-N bond is at 669.2 cm-1 while Co-Cl bond is at 486.2 cm-1. For bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV), the peak for V=O bond is at 997.4 cm-1 region. Magnetic Susceptibility for tris(acetylacetonato)manganese(III) is 2.65 x 10-5 and it is paramagnetic. Besides, Magnetic Susceptibility for chloropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride is -9.93x 10-8 and is diamagnetic. For bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV), magnetic susceptibility for impure complex and pure complex are 4.17X 10-6 and 5.53X 10-6 respectively. They are paramagnetic.

Responsibility for the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespear

Taking Responsibility for the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers, the perfect sadly losing there lives for their great love of each other. The tragic death has many characters to blame, but it is impossible to pinpoint the full responsibility on one individual character. Many of the characters in 'Romeo and Juliet' blame each other, for example, the Prince blames the two families and feud for their deaths. He believes that if certain things were different than this whole mess would not have occurred. If this terrible feud were not occurring than there would have been no objection to Romeo and Juliet getting married. "Where be these enemies? Capulet, Montague, see what a scourge is laid apon your hate," ====================================================================== (Act5 Scene3 lines 291-292) (The Prince) The most obvious character to blame in 'Romeo and Juliet' is most probably Friar Lawrence, for it was him who invents the bizarre scheme that will bring them together. Romeo puts his faith and trust in the Friar and he treats him almost like his own father. The Friars character is a very selfish one. At first he shows care and concern for Romeo by not totally agreeing with Romeos actions and decisions, for Romeo was not long ago in love with Rosaline, "Young men's love, then, lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes." (Act2 Scene3 lines 67-68) (Friar Lawrence) But as time progresses his thoughts change and he agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, His intentions were not for the best of Romeo and Juliet but to gain prais... ...s to dealing with situations she acts much more mature, and she plays things much more safely than him. Although her character is very open she, still make sure the decisions she makes in life are the right ones. When she was about to take the potion she thought of all the different scenarios and chose which one was best for her, this is the complete opposite to Romeo. One of the key issues of the play was FATE. . One of the key issues of the play was FATE. You could say all of the events had a certain path and that one thing lead to another. Overall every single character is somewhat involved in the deaths of the star-crossed lovers, and even though they did not kill them literally, they all contributed in leading them in that direction. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. "Romeo and Juliet" 1597. Clark and Wright

Challenges to Male Authority in Sophocles’ play, Antigone :: Antigone Essays

Challenges to Male Authority in Sophocles’ play, Antigone In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Creon and Antigone have distinct conflicting values. Antigone first demonstrates feminist logic when she chooses to challenge a powerful male establishment. This establishment is personified by her uncle Creon, who is newly crowned as the King of Thebes. Creon poses to be a major authority figure in a patriarchal society. Creon's regard for the laws of the city causes him to abandon all other beliefs. He feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other beliefs, moral or religious, state otherwise. Antigone, on the other hand, holds the beliefs of the gods in high reverence. She feels that the laws of the gods should be obeyed above all others, especially when in respect to family. The bold, tradition-braking character of Antigone clearly clashed with the overpowering patriarchal dominance of Creon. This collision between characters gives rise to the conflict between the sexes in Sophocles' Antigone. The denial of burial to Polynices strikes directly at her family loyalty. This enormous sense of loyalty leads to her simultaneous violation and observance to the duty of women of the time. It is precisely this loyalty that makes her an active rather than a static figure. Antigone herself represents the highest ideals of human life -- courage and respect for the gods. She believed that the law of the gods, which dictates that a body be given proper burial rights, was more important than the law of the King. Throughout the play, Antigone amazingly retains the traditional role of women, while at the same time boldly challenges this depiction. The challenge occurs as both a defiance of Creon's laws in Antigone's burying Polynices and as a direct verbal assault on Creon himself. Creon becomes angry that a woman questions his sovereignty and condemns her to death even though she was the daughter of his sister, Jocasta. Creon believes that if he does not follow through on his word the people of Thebes will not respect his authority as king. Thus Creon's patriotic values clash with Antigone's ethical values to make conflicting roles. Creon, being a new king, wants to prove his abilities as a firm and strong administrator. Creon wants to be respected and feared as a king because this will prove him to be the ultimate authorative figure in Thebes. He stands for obedience to the State. Surely it is his voice the townspeople should obey. Creon abuses his power to force others to accept his point of view.

High School District Essay

The recent studies have shown that trend on school drop out is increasing every year. This is rampant drop out of young youths is becoming an alarming issues especially for students in their secondary schools and those enrolled in higher educations institutions. The rate of school drop out is varied between ethnic groups. For instance, it has become overt in the American research that the number of Hispanic students that do not complete their studies is much greater than that the number of the Caucasians. Generally, there is lot evidence which shows that score of Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and some Asian American rare graduates from secondary schools. Numerous reasons for school drop out have been put into consideration. (Velez, 1989) However, dropout from school is an issue which is the overall resultant of the society together with the institution/ organizations failure to perform satisfactorily of their assignments. This disparity in drop out rate displayed by various ethnic groups of has been an issue of major concern which has brought a lot of controversies in many research studies. Drop out from schools is attributed to several factors which may affect the communities differently. These factors are evident in studying them independently in different ethnic groups. The Impacts of such factor are well established as primary contributors to students’ drop out. These contributing factors include education and workforce preparation, health and safety, poverty as well as family structure. According to the research study, these factors have contributed variously to the dropout rate on Hispanic students as well as for the Caucasians, but there the overall results shows that Hispanics are much affected than the Caucasians. (Thornton-Little, 1996) Education and workforce preparation Although education systems in the kern count high district schools are the same, there are numerous ways in which the education systems do not satisfy or favor the retention of Hispanics in the systems. There are numerous challenges based on the education systems which face Hispanic students more than the Caucasians. Hispanics are much affected on the ways on gaining knowledge necessary for their success. This can be seen in the fact that most of the Hispanics lack preschool service for their young children unlike Caucasians who can access such services. Moreover, most of the Caucasians have better foundation not only on education ground but also the are much advantaged by have post studies services after school, hence they can continue studying at home areas. According to the curriculum of the kern count high school districts, the language which is officially provided on the teaching system is basically in English especially in the district schools. One factor of fundamental is that the school curriculum in the region has indirectly and directly disfavored the Hispanics. According to the curriculum set up, the education systems have set hierarchical system of the education institutions. Through this kind of set up, the Hispanics get marginalized more than the Caucasians. Several studies have shown that schools which have Hispanic students as the majority population have experienced a lot of problems based on management and financing. Most of the district high school whose population is dominated by Hispanic students has frequent straining due to inadequate funding. Inadequate funding on schools limits the school management on the purchase of essential facilities requirement to facilitate the understanding of the course being taught. In addition, marginalization of highly populated schools by Hispanics is well portrayed by having unqualified teachers. Despites the low qualification of the teachers in such school, the ratio of teacher to students is very high which is an indication of inadequate number of teaching staffs. Due to the marginalization of the learning institutions with dominant number of the Hispanic students, the formulated policies such as no child is left behind would be proven as ineffective as other previous policies. The integral results of this marginalized institutions is that there is no satisfaction of the students. The low level of English language understanding by the Hispanics together with the marginalization of the school has consequently resulted to low academic achievement. The low academic achievement on the students translates to the high rates of drop out among the Hispanics more than the Caucasians. (Brice-Heath, 1983) Since the establishment education system, education has played very vital role in the preparation of the individuals for job. Education is viewed as basic on imparting knowledge which is necessary for the well paid jobs. Therefore, there is very close relation on the kind of jobs which are done by those persons with the necessary knowledge on a particular work. While teaching language is very fundamental on imparting knowledge on particular job skill, most Hispanic students finds it difficulty on grasping the concepts which are passed on English language. For most of the Caucasians students, they experience easy time on learning such skill in English language rather than in any other language. This is because they are native speakers of English and therefore are have much understanding of its usage than the Hispanics. This encourages and makes them to get on and cope well with the education tracks. (Brooks-Gunn and Pamela, 1996) Employment opportunities do consider certain qualities of the incumbents who apply for jobs. One key factor quality which is often considered in job employment is the ability to communicate both to fellow workforce as well as customers of the firm. English language which is a factor of paramount in job offer, it acts as barring and discouraging factor for the Hispanics. The Hispanic students find it hard in getting a job due to lack of English proficiency. This is a mandatory requirement for job security for the Hispanics who are non-English speakers while on the other side the Caucasian who are mostly English speakers are given an advantage by excluding such requirement. The Hispanics students therefore feel and perceive that this in unfair to them and they therefore term it as job and employment discrimination. According to some research studies on the employment of the Hispanics, the Hispanics students who are immigrants has the perception that the job market has taken the English deficiency to their advantage while punishing them by offering them low wages and salaries. While there is rationality on the argument about the language deficiency among the Hispanics, there is general conclusion that the Hispanics leaves the schooling system due to unsatisfying services offer to the students. This makes them to be not well prepared for their future job and career, as a great number of the Hispanic graduates are grouped as â€Å"not well† or â€Å"not all† English proficient. According to employers and the general understanding of the importance of language fluency, lack of language fluency leads to poor coordination of all organization activities. Thus, the handicaps of English speakers have limited number of the people they communicate to as workers. The handicapped Hispanics in English language are thus not prone to reduce job opportunities but they also have to cope with work environment which is harsh in nature. Furthermore, the low prepared Hispanics for job are exposed to the job market which offers them little chance of climbing the ladder for better opportunities which has better work environment as well as being well paid. (Ogbu, 1995), Adolescents risk taking Adolescence stage poses numerous challenges to the young youths. Despite the increasing population of the Hispanics in the region, there is still little concern over the academic achievement. Adolescence brings a lot of changes to the individuals’ behavior and therefore there is risk of letting the adolescent to get swayed from the education system. Though there is devotion of encouraging and maintaining the Hispanic students on the track of education, drop out from school at secondary level in hiked by the behavior adopted by the adolescents. The Hispanics are at more risk of dropping out from school as both male and female youths lack the essential foundation to have the sense of self esteem. According to the numerous studies which are revealed from different fields such as social and sociological studies, scores of Hispanics are involved in risky behavior which may lead termination of their education studies. According to Alva, Hispanics female students in district schools have average lower degree of self esteem which translates to undesirable academic results. This implies that a change must be instituted on their behavior to improve their education performances. Many have pointed out that high performance on grade and tests give an encouragement and aspiration to the student making them to keep on the education tracks. (Thornton-Little, 1996) Hispanics and Caucasians students are both faced with challenges drug and substance use in their schooling process. The use such prohibited substances are highly encouraged due to pressures and stresses arising from studies, families and general society. In most cases, they serve as means of coping with worse social environment. Comparing the situation of Hispanics with those of the Caucasians, it is evident that Hispanics have a lot stressful life than Caucasians. The increase in drug abuse among the Hispanics is another key factor which transforms to higher school dropout as such substance has great correlation on violent behavior unacceptable in school institution. (Sharon Boles, 1994) Hispanic female students get into risky and eroding behavior more than the Caucasians. This is well indicated from the point whereby the number of female students that get into relationships with their male counterparts end up pregnant. This shows that they have little awareness of involving into such risky behavior while are still in the course schooling. This not only ends up with most of the students being alienated by their friends but they also get alienated by the school institutions. Even though the opportunity of school continuation may be offered in future, this leads to development of immense stress on the individual hence the denial of furthering their studies. Thus, misbehaving and other disciplinary matters are depicted to be higher among the Hispanics than in the Caucasians. (Thornton-Little, 1996) Though the law of the U. S prohibits the child labor, the U. S labor market is anticipated to have estimated children as employed workers of 5 million. The foundation of the law on child labors is basically founded on the risks which are involved in the job markets. Therefore, while most of the school dropouts go out to search for jobs, they are employed mostly on workplaces where they have little knowledge of the risks involved. While most of the high school dropouts are aged between 12 and 17, they are offered jobs illegally according to the child law. The dropout rate of the Hispanics being the leading in comparison with that of the Caucasians, this means that the Hispanic adolescents are high risk takers. Family Structure Most families in the Hispanics have been categorized to have the old type family structure. Students and their families show strong hold on the extended family kinship. Due to the maintenance of the oldest systems of families, they impact of teaching of the ancient culture which increases the rate of marriages and reduces the habit of divorce. Thus most of the Hispanic students are brought up in families with both parents. This setting of family structure is viewed to offer better parenthoods to their children as compared to singled parents. In addition to offering better parent care to their children, they also help in maintaining attitudes that reduces the risk behavior that may lead to school dropout. The families of most Hispanics are composed of couples from the same ethnics groups, while in the Caucasians; there is some inter-marriage from different ethnics groups. This discourages the teaching of particular culture in the families of the Caucasians which final enhance the promotion education rather than ethnic cultures. Lack of intermarrying among the Hispanics gives them encouraging cultural languages has lead to difficulties in advice the students on academic matters. This is because, while the family couples do not the necessarily understand of the language, they do not encourage their children in learning the English language. (Chao, 1994) Health and safety The health status of the community is highly depended on the education and the vice versa. According to the education level, most Hispanics are illiterate and they therefore experience certain barriers concerning health services. One of main barrier which is depicted as lead to persistent poor healthy services is language. The Hispanics have well developed culture which is geared towards conserving their language. As result of this conservative nature of their language as their culture, most of the Hispanics do not receive the necessary health service both on personal level of education services and counseling as well as in the doctor treatment. Because of language barrier among the Hispanics, preventive measures are rarely achieved in the Hispanics than in the Caucasians. Language barrier makes the healthcare givers to delivery under-standardized services to the Hispanics. During the year of 2002, Hispanics were found to be 1. 5 time likely to access healthy services at severe illness or late stage sickness. (Sharon Boles, 1994) Hispanics’ limited access to healthy services has made them vulnerable to numerous ailments than the Caucasians community. Due to lack of the necessary information, ailments which are caused by bad eating habits are eminent among the Hispanics. Those they are caused by unethical eating practices, they have been of paramount importance concerning the education of Hispanics. They are diseases which are usually persistent and permanent, hence, the patients has to cope with the diseases for rest of their life. These diseases include mostly heart diseases, diabetes and cancer which general lowers the quality of life. As results of the high level of such disease infection among the Hispanics, most students also terminate their education due to deteriorated lives. (Ogbu, 1995) When sickness becomes persistence and permanent in a family, the treatment process has both psychological effects such as stress and pressure. The psychological stress, which is likely to develop in family members and those close relatives of the patients have negative effects on student academic performances. Moreover, persistent ailments affects the families financially depleting them their wealthy hence making them impoverished. This affects the Hispanics’ family ability to cater for the cost of education for their children more than the Caucasians. Poverty levels Hispanics have low job opportunities availability. This makes most of the Hispanics live as unemployed persons. The Hispanic employees are give the harsh jobs which are contrary low paid. The means that most of the Caucasians are favored in job opportunity chances, thus they end up being preferred for most skilled jobs and jobs that are well paid. While academic performance is closely linked to job opportunities, numerous Hispanic parents are employed as unskilled laborers, an indication that they have low incomes. Reference: Brice-Heath, S. (1983). 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(1989), High school attrition among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic white youths, Sociology of Education, 62, 117-120